Lagawan

The amazing Ilocos Norte. This is my second time in the province of Ilocos and I’ve got to tell you, the place never ceases to amaze me. There are tons and tons of things to do, see and write about this exciting province, be it in terms of beaches, historical places, the weather, the people, the scenic view and the food.

This trip to Ilocos was very different from the previous trip I had with my friends last December for this time I was here to cover the Friendship Kayak Expedition 2009 – Thanks to GMCI and Primer. And fortunately, we had a lot of sidetrips before the final leg of the first kayaking trail. One of the places we went to was the coastal town of Burgos to visit the famous heritage site in Ilocos Norte – the Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador or Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

It was a dark and dreary Wednesday afternoon but when we arrived at the lighthouse the weather improve a little – with sunshine, even just for a couple of minutes. Well, there is something about the place that is eerie – I have this feeling of someone watching us while exploring the place. Well, maybe because it’s old, rusty and so isolated since it is located up the hill of Vigia in Burgos with no nearby house or structures. But even though it’s eerie Cape Bojeador lighthouse is definitely an amazing historical structure and a must place to see when one is visiting Ilocos.

The lighthouse is also called by locals as Burgos lighthouse and it is located on top of Vigia de Nagparitan Hill in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is the highest-elevated lighthouse in the Philippines at 160 meters above sea level and the northwestern most in location. It was built in 1892 and is still functioning to date, serving ships passing by the northern part of South China Sea.

Lagawan in Cape Bojeador

Built on March 31, 1892, Faro de Capo Bojeador was designed by Engineer Margin Pers y Pers in 1887. It was reconfigured and constructed by Engineer Gulliermo Brockman.  The lighthouse has been guiding sea vessels passing the northern part of South China Sea and the rugged coast of Cape Bojeador. Despite of its age, it is still being used today. The lighthouse has been declared as a National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure. ( Read More: Heritage Conservation Society – Cape Bojeador Lighthouse )

Mamang caretaker was kind enough to let us go up the lighthouse tower. And to get to the top, we climb a series of steps and guess what? It wasn’t that easy especially if you have a fear of height and is claustrophobic for you must really have a will power to conquer the rusty, slippery metal spiral staircase and the steep-steel ladder plus the heavy blowing of winds to reach the lens room. But once you’re on the top it’s really worth it for the view is really fantastic. You can see the South China Sea, the town of Pasuquin, the windmills and coastline of Bangui and other neighboring towns.

View from the top…

Getting there:

Cape Bojeador lighthouse is approximately 35 kilometers north of Laoag by car.

Just follow the northwestern coastal national highway from Laoag, Vigan or La union going to Ilocos province until you’ve reach the town of Burgos. There is a large sign board along the highway which serves as the landmark for Cape Bojeador. You won’t get lost if you follow this sign since the road leads you to the base of the of the Cape Bojeador lighthouse complex.

There is no Public Transportation like jeepneys or tricycles found here, so it’s either you walk along the winding road to the lighthouse or bring a car.

More Photos:

looking at the town of Burgos from the lighthouse window

Another coastal view from Cape Bojeador

Friendship Kayak Expedition 2009: DoT, Media, GMCI, Primer, Blogger